Quick links to this week’s articles: Click the links below to jump directly to a specific article

• Calendar
• From our Headmaster
• Middle School and High School Information Coffee
• Mustang Connection Pizza Party
• Library Tip: Denver Public Library’s Free Databases
• Basketball Teams Victorious vs. Gilpin County
• Author to Visit Elementary
• Gap Year Fair Coming to DA!     
• Open House
• Sign Up for Spring Sports!
• Donate Your Vehicle to DA

Calendar of Events
February 2
Author Bruce Hale Visit to Elementary
Life After DA Mentoring Session (For Seniors): 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
HS Basketball Games vs. Maranatha (Home): Girls @ 4:00 p.m., Boys @ 5:30 p.m.
February 3
MHL Meeting at Heritage Christian Academy (Ft. Collins): 9:30 a.m.
February 4
MS/HS Information Coffee: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
HS Track Info Meeting (Core Commons): 2:00 p.m. (Girls and Boys)
February 5
Mustang Connection Event for HS Students (Core Atrium): Lunchtime
HS Basketball at Dayspring Christian: Girls @ 5:00 p.m., Boys @ 6:30 p.m.
February 6
Open House: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
USA Gap Year Fair (DA Gym): 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

From our Headmaster
By Kevin Smith

The view from 30,000 feet!

As I write this, we have enjoyed and been inspired by a visit to San Jose/Cupertino California. Joining me on the trip from Denver Academy were Mark Twarogowski, Program Director, Becky Leibman, Development Director, Anthony Slaughter, Technology Director, and Kris Fritzsche, our Art and Technology Coordinator. We also were joined by Carrie and John Morgridge from the Morgridge Family Foundation, Gregory Anderson, Dean at DU’s Morgridge College of Education and Ed McManis, former DA Dean of Faculty, now the Head of School at Sterne School in San Francisco. As a follow-up to my involvement in the Apple Educators Leadership Summit last spring, Apple Inc. invited us to an executive briefing at Apple HQ. The Morgridges opened the door to Cisco Education for us, thus allowing us to look at one of the best infrastructures and peripherals in technology for students.

The past two days have included the latest research on 21st Century education and the technological tools and systems to accomplish high levels of student engagement and achievement. Of particular interest to us are assistive technologies that “level” the playing field for students with learning differences. Considering the generosity of the corporations we visited, this was one of the best values in professional development that I have ever experienced!

Technology improvements are among the areas we are investigating in conjunction with our strategic planning process. As we continue our legacy of instructional excellence and fiscal prudence, we will work with our community to identify aspects of DA that we can enhance in the coming years. In the coming months, please continue to join us for opportunities to participate in this process through town hall meetings, focus groups, and surveys.

Best wishes.

Middle School and High School Information Coffee
Please join us on Thursday, February 4 at 8:00 a.m. for an informational gathering for the parents of students transitioning to middle school and for high school parents wanting more information about the new high school model.

If you missed the Middle School/High School Information Night in December, this is another opportunity to hear what your students can look forward to next year. The middle school session will be held in the East building of the middle school and high school parents will meet in the Core Commons. We look forward to talking with you about the exciting changes ahead.

Mustang Connection Pizza Party
On Friday, February 5 high school students will have the opportunity to indulge in pizza and Jamba Juice and to win a La-Z-y Boy chair to sit in during class for two weeks! The event will be held during lunchtime in the Core Atrium. Click here to download flyers with more information on prizes and cost.

Library Tip: Denver Public Library’s Free Databases
Denver Public Library’s website (http://denverlibrary.org/) offers a wealth of information, and one of the best features is its “Research Resources” link. Most of the databases listed require a DPL card, but they are free and you can even apply for a temporary card online.

Once you have a DPL card you can access the databases and read through the descriptions. Click here to read more about available databases. If you have any questions, contact Jolene Gutierrez at jgutierrez@denveracademy.org or 303-777-5870, ext. 263.

Mustang High School Hoopsters Victorious vs. Gilpin County
The Denver Academy Basketball teams were victorious on Tuesday evening as both squads defeated the visitors from Gilpin County High School. The Lady Mustangs pulled out a narrow two-point victory in the final seconds of the contest winning 27-25.  The men’s team rebounded from a narrow defeat on Monday night at Resurrection Christian by hosting a “Mustang stampede” past the Eagles from Gilpin by a score of 44-17. Both squads will be back in action on Tuesday, February 2 as the Crusaders JV teams from Maranatha venture into the "Mustang corral” for two games.  The Lady Mustangs play at 4:00 p.m. and the boys play at 5:30 p.m.

Gap Year Fair Coming to DA!     
The 2nd Annual Denver Gap Year Fair will be held at Denver Academy on Saturday, February 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the gym. Click here to visit the Gap Year Fair Web site and here to view a list of organizations that will be at the fair.

A gap year is a post-high school opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth that can lead to clearer direction and motivation for college studies and for life. The year may include travel, cultural immersion, directed study, service or conservation projects, and internship opportunities. If you have questions about the fair, please contact Amy Macy at amacy@denveracademy.org.

Those who are unable to attend can set up a meeting with Admissions by calling 303-777-5161.

Sign Up for Spring Sports!
High School students interested in participating in spring sports at Denver Academy are urged to sign up on the following dates:

• We are pleased to announce a new sport this year - Girls and Boys Track! This will be a co-op program with Denver Christian. An informational meeting for students will be held on Thursday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Core Commons with Coach Nye and Coach Johnson. Stay tuned for more information on a meeting for parents.
• Boys High School Baseball Wednesday, February 17 in the Baseball Team room  (Building #11) at 3:15 p.m. Be ready to begin practice! 

All athletes must have a current Physical Form and Emergency Card on file in order to participate in practice.  For more information or answers to your questions, please contact Athletic Director, Mick McLaughlin at mmclaughlin@denveracademy.org or 303.777.5091.

Donate Your Vehicle to DA

• Any car, any condition
• Free towing
• Tax deductible
• 100 percent of the net proceeds will go to Denver Academy

Go to www.carsforcharity.net to get all the information and print the necessary donation forms—please list Denver Academy as the recipient of your donation. All vehicles are eligible, running or not, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles. Vehicles must have a clear title and dismantled vehicles are not accepted. Your donation will benefit Denver Academy! If you have any questions, contact Karen Lozow at klozow@denveracademy.org.